Fear of exposure to COVID-19 appears to be exacting an unexpected toll on public health: Childhood vaccination rates have plummeted, leaving millions at risk for other life-threatening illnesses.
The recent drop-off is worrisome, because it follows a wave of vaccine resistance dating to the late 20th century. The refusal of some parents to vaccinate their kids on health and religious grounds has led to a return of infectious diseases that had been eradicated or nearly so.The MMR shot is a must-have pediatric vaccine, experts say. It's a two-dose immunization, with the first shot given between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second round between 4 and 6 years of age.
To prevent disease outbreaks, vaccine coverage must be high. Typically, more than 90% of people must get their shots for so-called"Now, Goza said, that society-wide protection is at risk. Goza and O'Leary said several forces are keeping recent vaccine rates down: Parents are worried about going out during the pandemic; like other businesses, some pediatric offices have had the financial rug pulled out from under them; and some now offer only emergency care.But with patient visits down, some practices are struggling to pay for their staff and might not even be able to afford vaccines, he pointed out.
Like hospital emergency departments, pediatric offices also operate under the assumption that anyone can be a COVID-19 spreader, O'Leary said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Royal poll: vote on how the Queen and her family have dealt with the coronavirus crisisRoyal poll: have your say in our exclusive online poll, in which we ask how you think the Queen and the royal family have dealt with the coronavirus crisis
Read more »
British PM Johnson's fiancée gives birth to boy amid coronavirus crisisBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson's fiancée, Carrie Symonds, gave birth to a baby boy at a London hospital on Wednesday, slightly earlier than had been expected.
Read more »
Charlie Kirk: Special interests are exploiting the coronavirus crisis for their own gain | OpinionWhether it is celebrity chefs, trial lawyers or affluent universities, too many are acting in the interests of too few.
Read more »
Greta Thunberg donates $100,000 to combat coronavirus as activist calls pandemic a 'child-rights crisis'The climate activist has launced a campaign with Danish nonprofit Human Act to help children and young people affected by the primary and secondary impacts of the pandemic.
Read more »